Windermere, Florida

Windermere is a town in Orange County, Florida, and is 9 miles W of Orlando, Florida (center to center) and 67 miles NE of Tampa, Florida. According to the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2006 estimates, the town had a population of 2,019. It is part of the Orlando–Kissimmee Metropolitan Statistical Area. Windermere is surrounded by sand bottom lakes. Lake Butler (the largest) is on the west, Lake Down on the east, and Lake Bessie on the southeast. By means of a system of canals, Butler, Down and six other lakes are connected to form what is known as the Butler Chain.

Windermere was established in 1889 and has been the residence of professional golfer Tiger Woods since 1997 as well as other professional sports figures. However, many celebrities such as Woods actually live in the Isleworth gated community/subdivision which is outside the town limits of Windermere, but utilize the Windermere mailing address. During late 2007, the Town of Windermere filed a proposal to annex Isleworth and Butler Bay, another wealthy subdivision. This was met with extensive debate from town residents and an objection from Orange County, which stood to lose millions of dollars of property tax revenue. After lengthy discussions, and battles with the county, Isleworth remained in the county, but Butler Bay was annexed into Windermere with over 90% of its residents approving annexation via a mail in ballot. Windermere is also home to famous cyclists, the Windermere Roadies, led by Sir Manny Otero of Winter Garden.

In Windermere, about 72% of adults are married. Many folks in Windermere are married and settled down. Families have pride of place in the town, and much of the housing seems designed with families in mind. In 2000, Windermere had a median family income of $105,737. Windermere has more than its share of wealthy families and people. The town has a large middle class. It’s worth mentioning that smart, educated people feel at home in the town. A tendency for its residents to work at home is one of the things that define the lifestyle in Windermere. The low crime rate is a boost to quality of living and housing values in Windermere. Approximately 87% of housing in Windermere is owner-occupied. Property taxes are a bit high in the town, which may indicate the community’s investment in its schools and infrastructure. In Windermere, 91% of commuters drive to work.